Things to do on the Isle of Wight in August

August – and the school summer holidays – transforms the Isle of Wight into a vibrant family playground where summer dreams come alive. This month, the Island offers a delightful mix of family-friendly evening events, from enchanting attractions to lively carnivals that light up the night sky. Discover golden sandy beaches, perfect for sun-soaked days and relaxing coastal walks, or explore local vineyards offering exquisite tastings under the summer sun with live music.

If the word ‘summer’ conjures up images of golden sandy beaches, you’re in luck. Spend the day at the beach with the family; Ryde is one of our favourite choices.

You’ll have oodles of space Appley Beach in Ryde at low tide – the beach seemly goes on forever, so it’s perfect for a ball game or playing with a frisbee. The shallow waters are perfect for bathing, and they warm up beautifully under the sun. Just expect to have a long walk if you want a proper swim!

If it’s a really hot day you can often find shady spots from the trees in Appley Park and Appley Tower too.

The world-famous Cowes Week (2-8 August 2025) is the largest sailing regatta of its kind in the world, staging up to 40 daily races for around 750 boats. Up to 100,000 spectators come to watch the sailing, enjoy the après-sail parties and to experience the unique atmosphere. It’s a one-of-a-kind event with plenty of exciting onshore activities for spectators.

From 16-17 August 2025, experience the Isle of Wight’s biggest summer show at The Garlic Festival. As well as incredible (garlicky) food, you can enjoy live music, arena entertainment and live shows.

Make sure you try a locally-grown corn on the cob, smothered in garlic butter; ‘The Dark Destroyer’ fudge made with dark chocolate, black garlic and chilli; and, of course, some of the famous produce from the Isle of Wight Garlic Farm.

Take a ‘Grape to Glass’ tour of Adgestone Vineyard’s 10 acres and cellars to learn all about wine making. A fun 20-minute wine tasting session is included where you’ll learn tasting techniques and try the award-winning English wines.

Afterwards, enjoy sea views and an antipasti sharing platter with a glass of wine, on the raised decking above the vines. They’re open Wednesday to Sunday for vineyard tours, wine tastings, shop visits, food and drinks. You can also catch live acoustic music on selected dates until 15 September 2025.

The Wight Proms comes to Northwood House for eight days between 12 and 17 August. Their diverse programme of events includes comedy (Fascinating Aida), dance (Giovanni Pernice) and country (with Dolly Bingo and line dancing) while concerts bring you opera, musicals and classical music.

At The Needles Landmark Attraction, every Thursday in August 2025 you’ll be able to enjoy Magic in the Skies. From 10am until late you can enjoy shopping, foodie treats, live music and family entertainment, before an iconic firework display lights up the landmark after dusk (weather dependent). It’s the perfect way to end a family day out.

Every Wednesday from 30 July to 27 August 2025, between 6pm and 9.30 pm, there are full on party vibes at Blackgang Chine’s Summer Fest. Expect fun foam, confetti and laser parties, carnival performers and a fireworks extravaganza. During the day you’ll also find a buzz around Cowboy Town every Wednesday. With thrilling fights and gunfire in a action-packed cowboy show.

Tapnell Farm Park is open until 8pm on selected dates during the holidays, which gives more time for family fun!  On Tuesdays they host Moo-Mania,  with games, acrobatics and a kids’ rave. And every Thursday there’s Barn, Boots & Beats – a high-octane evening of live music, dancing, food, street performers, and a wild ride on the rodeo bull!

There are events galore on the Isle of Wight during summertime. Depending on when you’re visiting, you might like to join the Island Steam Show, Isle of Wight Scooter Rally, and Ticket to Ryde.

You’re also likely to find a procession of colour near you, if you’re here in August 2025 – carnivals take place right across the Island. A huge number of carnivals are taking place across the island, delivering joyous parades of colour and music. Ryde, Shanklin, Newport, and Sandown also have spectacular illuminated carnivals with evening parades that make the most of balmy summer nights.